MovieChat Forums > Uzak (2002) Discussion > REALISM?

REALISM?

posted 19 years ago by X-pat
6 replies | jump to latest

I saw this movie at a Romanian film festival, back to back with Kill Bill vol. 1. (!) The clash of substance and style was as striking as could be.. Although wondering what the festival organizers were thinking in showing these films together (Uzak was before Kill Bill) would be futile and require a thesis on film festival scheduling, the 20-something year old males that had to put up with Uzak just to see Kill Bill was interesting to observe nonetheless. As for the film, I thought it was way TOO realistic. I mean, the director was just showing a slice of real life with real people, real situations and real emotions. I appreciated this only afterwards, as the movie sinks in like no other. I am Turkish and lived in Istanbul and another thing that struck me was the way the movie showed Istanbul under snow as a backdrop - quite melancholic but real all the same - as it was refreshing to see this fascinating world city shown without the make-up of the glamorous and mysterious Byzantine and Ottoman architechure under a summer's sun. But the question still remains in my mind: What makes us want to see a slice of real life in films? I mean, don't we all live in the real world and suffer through it anyway (with the exception of Neo and his friends, who would have a different opinion, that is)? What is wrong with escapism? Why do we enjoy both? What are the things that make us like realist movies AND escapist not-in-this-world kind of fiction? It's like classical music vs. rock'n'roll vs. jazz. Any thoughts?

[–] mikeplaumann 19 years ago

It is interesting to read, how most people stress the fact that this is a Turkish film. It is not, and there is no need for chauvinistic-nationalistic hymns. The film illustrates the condition humain. Istanbul is only the setting. If you want to see nice pictures, go to GEO on your telly...

[–] X-pat 19 years ago

mikeplaumann:
1. Read my post again. If you can process what you read - which I doubt - you may see that I actually APPRECIATED the director's dismal depiction of Istanbul, instead of the usual grandeur. And I fail to see the relevance of your point to the actual question I am trying to raise: Realism in films - which is in fact printed in capital letters in the title of the post. If you want to read what you want instead of what is written, go back to your imaginary world.
2. This is a Turkish film with Turkish characters and settings. It is not strange for a film to be Turkish, American, etc. AND have a global appeal. Mentioning the source of any film should not take away from its qualities.
3. I believe it is not unusual for the Turkish film-loving crowd to be excited about the interest this film generated internationally, especially considering how few movies are made in Turkey every year.
4. I agree that there is no need for "chauvinistic-nationalistic hymns". However, I don't see how pointing out the fact that a film is Turkish, Romanian or Bollywood, etc. automatically qualifies as such.
5. If you have a problem with Turkish movie-goers or nationalism, etc. grind your axe somewhere else.
6. Because of people like you, it is becoming more and more difficult to try and discuss anything in a civilized manner on these boards.

[–] SandsofSamarkand 19 years ago

We all live in the real world, but do any of us know what it is like to be someone else? I think this is what truely great cinema can do, if it tries. Or not just that, also a different way of being or seeing. This is why Hollywood films fail to satisfy. For me anyway. Escapism is a waste of time. Unless it makes me laugh.

[–] Krustallos 16 years ago

Well Sandy, I have to say that if Hollywood doesn't show you a different way of being or seeing, you must have a most extraordinary life.

Uzak certainly does show a different way of being and seeing from the various Hollywood conventions, of course, which is what I suspect you meant.

"Realism" in art is of course a very untrustworthy concept. The whole process of filmmaking is by nature artificial. Art movies have conventions just as much as Hollywood movies.

I used to want to change the world. Now I just want to leave the room with a little dignity.

[–] modica 16 years ago

Beautiful film that sticks with you for awhile after viewing. I felt empty afterwards. Needed to take a few deep breaths.

[–] nirvana_kedi 13 years ago

In my opinion we never realise what we are living in exactly. Not only the organized manipulation of the authorities, but also personal defense mechanism or routine of daily life or anything makes us ignore the reality or simple truth. Aren't 99% of the movies is the tool of this manipulation mechanism? Why hollywood bs's stories and fake characters are so popular? We also see here in discussion boards many people are looking for action, excitement, never ending dialogs, joy, desire, naked perfect bodies etc in the movies. I will say Uzak is the reminder of the naked reality. It makes you understand perfectly and bitterly how boring is to see the reality. Ceylan did really really great job!